I have an '04 and that I bought new in December of '03. I have never had a problem with it. I was tuff to wait for the '04 to come out but I new there would be some issues with the first year. Polaris has improved the Predator every year.
One of the recent mag's did a 12hr Torture Test (can't remember which one). The test was designed to test the quads during very aggressive trail riding and not track comparison. This test took into consideration rider fatigue and mechanical failures. The YFZ got 4th, Z400 3rd, Predator TLD 2nd, and TRX450 first.
The Predator just has too many things going for it to overlook it-extras versus the others and price.
I would definitely buy another. My only other consideration would be the TRX450 which I haven't ridden.
'04 Predator, Pure Polaris slip-on w/ 12 discs, Switch between Sidewinder 13T or Stock 14T, Polaris 38T, WB CDI, Edelbrock Carb, CFM Airbox w/ K&N's, CFM Shrouds, CFM Coolers.
'03 300EX,FMF MegaMaxII,K&N w/Outerwear & lid removed,150main
'00 Sportsman 500,Warn Winch,Gun Scabbard,Cargo Box
'98 TrailBlazer,HPD Complete Pipe & Clutch,170 main, Pre-filter removed